Nigeria’s record-holding shot putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, came agonisingly close to his first global medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, finishing 5th overall with a sixth-round throw of 21.52m.
The 31-year-old, Africa’s only man to surpass the 22m mark in the event, admitted he had arrived late in Tokyo and struggled with fatigue and time zone adjustments, but still delivered a strong performance in the final.
A Battle in Tokyo for Chukwuebuka Enekwechi
Enekwechi’s opening round saw him record 20.83m, followed by 20.71m, before matching his opener with another 20.83m to qualify from Group A in 7th place overall.
In the final, he saved his best throw of 21.52m for the last round, just shy of the podium places.
Mexico’s Uriel Muñoz stole silver with a National Record of 21.97m, while Enekwechi’s African Record of 22.10m would certainly have secured him a medal had he replicated it in Tokyo.
Speaking on the near-miss, he said:
“It feels good. I always come out here to get medals. I was two spots out, but it’s literally the hardest time in the world to be shot put by myself.”
“I’m glad I’m always in the mix.”
Fatigue and Time Zone Challenges
The Nigerian admitted that travel difficulties played a role in his performance:
“I got here really late. I wish I got here earlier to adjust to the time difference, because going to Asia is different than going to Europe. So, a bit of a challenge there.”
“The other part was the morning qualifier, and I don’t know how in the world I added two feet, because I showed up extremely tired.”
Chukwuebuka further explained the struggles he faced but remined upbeat still:
“Even though I was more dialed in, this is mental practice and stuff, so I expected to push harder. We’ve trained for this for months.”
“We’ve been on the schedule, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Yeah, so I’m happy with the improvement.”
‘I’m Getting Married’ – Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Reveals
Away from athletics, Enekwechi revealed he will be taking a short break to focus on personal life.
“I am getting married… that’s how I plan to spend my off-season.”
He will return to competition next season with renewed determination to finally break onto the World Championships podium.
Consistency for Nigeria
This was Enekwechi’s fifth World Championships, and his consistency has made him one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers on the global stage.
Since missing out narrowly in Budapest 2023, he has been determined to push himself into medal territory, and Tokyo proved just how close he is.
The Nigerian has also made history this year as the only African man to throw beyond 22m.
Nigerian Women’s Discus Campaign
Nigeria also fielded athletes in the women’s Discus Throw. Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons placed 20th overall with a best effort of 59.45m, while Obiageri Amaechi finished 33rd, recording 55.69m on her first attempt before falling short in subsequent throws.
Onyekwere, competing in her fourth World Championships since Doha 2019, fouled her last two attempts and missed qualification for the final.
